A parliamentary ethics committee has unanimously recommended lifting the immunity of 11 lawmakers implicated in a case linked to OPEKEPE, according to a case file from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The recommendation will be submitted for a final decision by roll-call vote during a special plenary session scheduled later in the month, with April 21 seen as the most likely date. Although a simple majority is required, most lawmakers are expected to vote in favor.
Only two of the 11 lawmakers, Kostas Tsiaras and Notis Mitarakis, attended the committee session, while the remaining nine submitted written statements. All supported lifting their immunity. “We must all understand that this case must be clarified as soon as possible,” Tsiaras said.
Mitarakis said he acted “fully within the Constitution and our political activity,” describing his actions as forwarding written requests from citizens who felt wronged by the administration. The session included sharp exchanges.
Lawmaker Panagiotis Doudonis criticized the case, saying, “the individuals are many, the color is one, and it is deep blue, bearing the signature of Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ administration.”
Opposition figures also accused the government of political favoritism. In written statements, the implicated lawmakers denied wrongdoing. Several said there was no evidence of illegal acts, while others described the accusations as unfounded or lacking legal basis. Some maintained their actions fell within parliamentary duties or were made in good faith.
A parallel parliamentary process is ongoing regarding former ministers, with lawmakers reviewing the case file to determine whether to establish a preliminary investigation committee.
